- X will start charging a small fee for its new users to allow them to post, like, or bookmark anyone else's posts.
- This fee aims to reduce bot and spam account creation on the app.
- This policy was previously under testing in New Zealand and the Philippines under the "Not a Bot" program.
Since Elon Musk took the helm of X (formerly Twitter); controversial changes and decisions have become quite a norm on the platform. Now, a post shared by X Daily News, a reliable source, confirms that X will soon start charging a small fee for new users.
This comes from another account that detected text strings on the website that mention a small annual fee. This would prevent new accounts from creating new posts, bookmarking, reposting, or liking others’ posts on the app. However, new users can still follow other accounts and browse X without paying any fees.
X CEO, Elon Musk replied to the thread to confirm this change. He said new accounts will have to pay up to use the social media platform. He mentioned, “Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots”. This measure could help curb the use of bot accounts which Musk has been trying to do for a while.
This policy has been under testing in New Zealand and the Philippines as a part of the “Not a Bot” program. The fee could be around $1 but may vary across different regions. New users can also wait for three months after which they will be allowed to create posts for free as mentioned in another post by Musk.
This fee will prevent bots and spam account creation which have been a huge issue on the platform. Musk also mentioned that these accounts take up some good X handles as well. I can see that it may slow down bot farms as this fee will make it an expensive endeavor.
However, it would be a better solution to tag bots as such when detected by the platform. This will help other users learn whether an engagement on a post is genuine or bot-driven. Plus this policy hurts the fundamental thing that helps a social media platform grow which is acquiring new users. But what are your thoughts about this topic? Share with us in the comments below.
